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Nesthy Petecio's first official boxing match was with a guy
Did you know that Nesthy Petecio's first official boxing match was against a male opponent?
According to her parents, the Pinay Olympic boxer joined an inter-barangay competition in Davao City at the age of 11, and she was up against a guy.
On Unang Hirit Monday, Nesthy's mom Prescilla admitted she was initially nervous for her daughter but she eventually grew to become one of the nation's best fighters.
"“Natakot, kasi 'yung umpisang makikipaglaban siya sa taas po ng ring, pero 'andiyan po ang papa niya — siya po ang nag-coach sa kanya — kung ano dapat ang kanyang gagawin. Kampante naman po ako kasi alam ko kayang kaya ng anak namin," Mrs. Petecio told Susan Enriquez during an interview on "Unang Balita."
[I got scared because it was her first time to fight on a ring, but her dad was right there with her. He was also her coach who told her what to do. I am now confident my child can handle it.]
"Hindi maiiwasan, bilang magulang, ang kaba [at] takot sa amin," the mother added.
[As a parent, I cannot avoid fear and anxiety but we continue to pray to God that he will take care of Nesthy.]
Nesthy Petecio is set to win another gold medal for the Philippines after ruling the semifinals of the women's featherweight division of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics' boxing tournament over the weekend.
The women's featherweight boxing finals are scheduled for August 3.
Mr. and Mrs. Petecio wished her luck during their live virtual interview on Monday.
"Para sayo, 'nak. Ito na 'yung pagkakataon. Huwag mong bibitawan," the mother said on "Unang Balita.
"Tibayan mo yung loob at manalig tayo sa Diyos na makukuha mo yung ginto para sa bayan, at saka para sa pamilya mo, at para na rin sa sarili mo."
[This is your fight, dear. This is your chance. Don't let it slip away. Stay strong and pray to the Lord so you can win the gold... not just for your country and your family, but yourself, as well.]
— Margaret Claire Layug/LA, GMA News
